2005 Festival of Wreaths Begins on November 28
Let the Bidding Begin!
October 14, 2005

The public is invited to join in celebrating the Third Annual Festival of Wreaths at the Lowcountry Senior Center and participate in a silent auction to bid on the more than 40 beautifully decorated wreaths that will adorn at the Center from November 28 through December 8.

The wreaths, which feature many colors, designs and choices for every seasons, will be on display Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Center, located at 865 Riverland Drive (next to James Island County Park).

Executive Director Jill Jackson Ledford commented that the Festival of Wreaths is the premiere fundraising event to benefit the center, the first nationally accredited senior center in South Carolina. “Funds raised in the past assisted in the development of an outdoor walking trail and patio,” Jackson Ledford explained. “We are currently raising funds for several outdoor recreation venues such as bocce, badminton, and volleyball courts and a picnic pavilion. With a rapidly growing membership of more than 1,000 senior adults, and increasing numbers of retirees choosing Charleston as their retirement home, we anticipate continued growth of membership and activity at the center.”

The fundraising event will also feature the sale of Prize Give-Away tickets at $1.00/ticket or 12 tickets for $10.00. Among the exciting prizes are a two-night stay in a villa at Wild Dunes or Isle of Palms; tickets to Charleston Symphony Orchestra concerts; Christmas Night Gift Basket; gift certificates to California Dreaming, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant, Justine’s Kitchen, and Fast & French/Gaulart & Maliclet French Café. Other prizes include Walker Shoes; Roses; a framed print; 4 box tickets to a 2006 Charleston River Dogs Game; and admission to the Edmondston-Alston House and Middleton Place Gardens. A drawing of the winning tickets will be held following a Holiday Choral Concert on Wednesday, December 7 at 4:00 p.m.

The community is also invited to several special events celebrating the Festival of Wreaths including:

The community is also invited to several special events celebrating the Festival of Wreaths including:

• “Wine & Cheese” party is offered Tuesday, November 29 at 6:00 p.m. This special event features the Center’s own recorder group, The Olde Pipes Consort. Admission is free.
• “Art in the Afternoon” will take place Thursday, December 1 at 2:00 p.m. The community is invited to spend a leisurely afternoon enjoying a free classical music performance featuring the Charleston Chamber Society. A reception will follow.
• "Breakfast with the Arts,” a festival favorite, is slated for Friday, December 2 at 8:30 a.m. A hot breakfast buffet will be served, followed by a performance by the DeGullah Singers, including spirituals and story-telling. Tickets are $18/person.
• A Holiday Choral Concert featuring the Lowcountry Senior Center Chorus will be held on Wednesday, December 7 at 4:00 p.m. There is no charge for this event, which will be followed by light refreshments and drawing of the winning tickets for the Festival’s Prize Give-Away.
• The Festival Finale will take place December 8 at 6:00 p.m. and will feature live music, dancing, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a wine bar. This will be the last chance to bid on the wreaths. Winning bids for the Wreath Silent Auction will be announced at the conclusion of the event. Tickets are $20/person.

Businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities for the Festival of Wreaths are invited to contact Elizabeth Bernat at 762-9555 or at elizabeth.bernat@ropersaintfrancis.com. The deadline for sponsorships is November 1, 2005.

The Lowcountry Senior Center is a place for active, independent people ages 50 and over to come and nurture their intellectual and physical interests and needs. Located at 865 Riverland Drive(next to James Island County Park), the center is open from 8 am to 8 pm, Monday-Thursday and 8 am to 4 pm on Friday. Call 762-9555 for more information. The center is managed by Roper St. Francis Healthcare.